Ivory Coast charges 12 over gendarme’s killing amid election unrest
One year after Ivory Coast's deadly election unrest, authorities have charged twelve individuals with serious crimes including murder and terrorism for the killing of a gendarme. The case highlights ongoing political tensions following President Ouattara's disputed fourth term.
Twelve people have been charged and remanded in custody in Ivory Coast over the killing of Second Lieutenant Daniogo Klênon Lacina, a gendarme shot on October 20, 2025, amid election-related violence, Africanews reported on October 21, 2026.
Prosecutor Oumar Braman Koné announced the charges, which include murder, terrorist acts, conspiracy against state authority, and participation in an insurrectionary movement. The accused have reportedly admitted involvement, with the alleged shooter confessing to opening fire on security forces.
The case is being handled by Abidjan’s anti-terrorism division. This development occurs against the backdrop of lingering political tensions following President Alassane Ouattara’s disputed fourth-term election victory last year, during which eleven people were officially reported killed.
Opposition party PPA-CI has accused the government of anti-democratic actions, though authorities maintain that the prosecutions are not related to political affiliations.